Challenges and opportunities, time
for family reunions and chances to show non-ag consumers what farming is.
That’s the information gathered, along with hard facts
and economic numbers, in a summer-long survey of 15 Illinois county fairs.

Have you ever attempted to find one person in a large
crowd of people? Imagine that you aren’t sure which direction they are coming
from, or which way they are heading now. You must find them only by listening
for the sound of their voice in the crowd.

It’s summer, and if you have a grain operation, you’re
keeping a close eye on the weather forecast. At times, the weekly forecast seems
to change almost every day. Wouldn’t it be frustrating if your production plans changed
as often as the weather forecast does?

This has had to be the most comfortable summer weather we
have had in my adult life. Hope everyone has enjoyed all the fun summer
activities this year. This cool weather has not been the best for the crops,
however.

The growing season continues to amaze me and my fellow area
farmers. Just as we were starting to get a little dry with yards showing some
stress, we got about 2 inches of rain for the week. The corn potential is fairly
well set.

Every summer a different commodity is highlighted at the
Indiana State Fair. There’s been “Year of the Corn,” “Year of the Dairy Cow” and
many other themes, but this year is unlike anything we’ve seen.

Farmers are some of the hardest working people out there.
Constant lifting, pushing, fixing and running between fields, balanced with
maintaining a family life, they often push their bodies to the limit.

I’ve been told that, for a long time, farmers and ag
businesses were quiet when it came to telling their stories. Stories of hard
work, integrity and progress. Things to be proud of. I’m glad that I’ve heard so many of these stories over the
years — even before I worked in the agriculture industry.